KHALSA COLLEGE CONTROVERSY

THE CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSAL A resolution for converting the college into a university was passed by the current managing committee in 2007. However, the proposal was not accepted as at that time the Punjab Private Universities Policy had not come into being. Later, the college again applied for conversion into a private university when the policy was implemented in June last year. This proposal was among 19 such proposals received from other institutions in Punjab.

IN FAVOUR 1. College will be elevated to the status of a university 2. Will have more freedom to design job-oriented vocational, professional and technical courses for students to enable them to meet the emerging national and global demand 3. ‘Khalsa University’ will have free hand to internationalise the institution. 4. Fee structure will be affordable and in competition with GND University and other varsities. 5. No threat to the job security of the teaching and non-teaching staff AGAINST 1. Historic college will lose its existence 2. Grant-in-aid worth crores to the college will stop 3. Teachers fear retrenchment, losing UGC pay scales 4. Apprehensions about a possible fee hike once the university comes into being 5. Fear of the iconic institution turning into a family’s private property

SGPCspeak The SGPC, after passing a resolution to maintain the status quo at Khalsa College, has taken a U-turn saying the move will hardly make any difference.